Sofa bed upholstering tensioner



Dec. 23, 1958 v. P. cARRicK SOFA BED UPHOLSTERING TENSIONER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 14, 1955 m N m 3 0 P Hg w Dec. 23, 1958 2 2 v. P; CARRICK 5,

SOFA BED UPHOLSTERI NG TENSIONER I Filed March 14, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 2 4

IN V EN TOR.

SUIFA BED UPHOLSTERTNG TENSIONER Virgil P. Car-rick, High Faint, N. C. Application March 14, 1955, Serial No. 434,046

3 'Clairns. or. 5-51 A This invention relates in general to new .and useful improvements in sofa bed constructions, and more specifreally to a tensioning device specifically-adapted for use in combination with a sofa bed construction for the purpose of tensioning the fabric covering or upholstery thereof.

From experience the sofa bed industry has found that a sofa bed, when folded to form a bed, is most comfortable if the fabric or upholstery of the seat portion is formed continuous with the upholstery of the back portion. However, the nature of such a sofa bed construction is such that while the fabric covering is tensioned when the sofa bed is in a bed forming position, there of necessity is an excess of material when the sofa bed is in a sofa forming position, and accordingly, it is necessary to provide suitable tensioning means for the fabric.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide an improved fabric tensioning device for use in sofa bed constructions, the fabric tensioning device being of such a nature whereby the operation thereof is automatic and it is effective only when the sofa bed in which it is positioned is in a sofa forming arrangement.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved fabric tensioning device which is intended for use in sofa bed constructions, the fabric tensioning device of this invention being of such a nature whereby it may be quickly and easily adapted to existing forms of sofa bed construction without making any changes in the design thereof with the exception of the tensioning device.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved fabric tensioning device for use in sofa bed constructions, the fabric tensioning device being of an extremely simple nature and being formed of readily obtainable material so that the manufacture and use thereof is economically feasible.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved fabric tensioning device which includes a plurality of resilient connecting strips, the connecting strips being attached to the seat and back portions of the sofa bed and being so connected together and to the fabric covering whereby the connecting strips are sprung when the sofa is in a seat forming position to automatically tension the fabric covering thereof.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved fabric tensioning device which is especially designed for use in conjunction with sofa bed constructions, the fabric tensioning device operating on the principle that the back portion shifts with respect to the seat portion when the sofa bed is folded from one position to the other and then when resilient rods are pivotally connected together, they will of necessity flex so as to apply a tensioning force on a fabric connected thereto.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure l is an exploded rear perspective view of a sofa bed construction employing the principles of the present 2,865,030 Patented Dec. 23, 1958 invention, the fabric covering being shown in a sheet forming position whereas the spring assemblies of the sofa bed are shown in a bed forming position in order to clearly illustrate the details of the pull denim strip which is an essential part of the invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the center of the sofa bed construction of Figure 1 when it is in a bed forming position and shows the relationship of the various parts of the tensioning device;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view similar to Figure 2 and shows the back portion pivoted to a seat forming position, the tensioning device operating to tension the fabric covering of the sofa bed; .and

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the section line 44 of Figure 2 and shows the manner in which the connecting strips are pivotally connected together by a connecting rod, the connecting rod being connected to the pull denim strip.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figure 1 a conventional type of sofa bed which includes a base, which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10, a seat portion, which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 12, and back portion, which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 14.

The base 10 is generally rectangular in outline and is provided with a frame which includes side frame members 6. The side frame members 16 are disposed in spaced parallel relation and connected together by longitudinal frame members 18.

The seat portion 3.2 includes a generally rectangular frame which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 20. The frame 20 has secured thereto a rectangular spring assembly 22. Overlying the spring assembly 22 is suitable padding 24.

The back portion 14 is substantially identical in construction to the seat portion 12 and includes a rectangular frame which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 26. Overlying the frame 26 and extending upwardly therefrom is a spring assembly 28. Disposed in overlying relation to the spring assembly 28 is a suitable padding 30.

Referring now to Figure 1 once again, it will be seen that the sofa bed also includes a suitable fabric covering which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 32. The fabric covering 32 is of a unitary construction and includes a seat portion 34 and a back portion 36 which are utilized to cover the seat portion 12 and the back portion 14, respectively.

In order that the seat portion 12 and the back portion 14 may be adjustably carried by the base 10, there is pro vided a mounting bracket construction at each end of the sofa bed, the mounting bracket construction being referred to in general by the reference numeral 38. The mounting bracket construction 38 includes a mounting bracket 40 secured to the frame 26 of the back portion 14 adjacent the seat portion 12. A similar bracket 42 is secured to the frame 20 of the seat portion 12 adjacent the back portion 14. The brackets 40 and 42 have overlapping parts pivotally connected by a pivot pin 44. In this manner pivoting of the back portion 14 relative to the seat portion 12 is permitted and at the same time retaining the seat portion 12 and the back portion 14 in close proximity.

The mounting bracket assembly 38 at each end of the sofa bed also includes a bracket 46 carried by the rear part of the associated side frame 16. The bracket 46 is provided with a first pivot pin 48 to which is terminally pivoted a link 50. The opposite end of the link 50 is pivotally connected to the brackets 40 and 42 by the pivot pin 44. Carried by the bracket 46 is a second pivot pin 2 which pivotally connects to the bracket 46 a lower end of a link 54. The upper end of the link 54 is pivotally connected to the bracket 41) by a pivot pin 56.

The mounting bracket assemblies 38 are of such a nature whereby the sofa bed may be moved from a sofa folding position, such as that illustrated in Figure 3, to a bed forming position, such as is illustrated in Figure 2. This is accomplished by pivoting the back portion 14 from a substantially vertical position to a generally horizontal position. During the pivoting of the back portion from a vertical position to a horizontal position, the seat portion 12 slides forwardly on the base 10.

The fabric covering 32 is of such a fit so as to be taut when the soften is in a bed forming position, as is best illustrated in Figure 2. However, when the back portion 14 is pivoted to a substantially vertical position, as is illustrated in Figure 3, it is necessary that slack be taken up in the fabric covering 32. In order to accomplish this, there is provided the fabric tensioning device which is the subject of this invention, the device being referred to in general by the reference numeral 58. The fabric tensioning device 58 includes a plurality of elongated connecting strips 60 which extend transversely of the portion 12 and the back portion 14 and are suitably secured to the spring assemblies 22 and 28 thereof. The connecting strips 60 have ends terminating intermediate the spring assemblies 22 and 28 and the ends are in the form of eyes 62. All of the eyes 62 are in alignment and are connected together by an elongated connecting rod 64 which extends through the eyes 62. The connecting rod 64 is provided at one end wtih a head 66 and at the other end with a removable pin 68. It is to be understood that the connecting rod 64 forms a suitable pivot for the connections between opposed connecting strips 60. The connecting strips 60 are formed of spring material so as to permit flexing in a desired manner described in detail hereinafter.

Secured to the central portion of the fabric covering 32 intermediate the padding 24 and St) is a pull denim strip 70. The pull denim strip 70 is in the form of an elongated piece of fabric folded upon itself and having its opposite ends secured to the underside of the fabric covering 32 as at 72. By so forming the pull denim strip 70, a sleeve is formed through which the connecting rod 64 freely passes.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 4 in particular, it will been seen that the pull denim strip 70 is provided at longitudinally spaced intervals with suitable notches or cutouts. The cut-outs 74 are aligned with the eyes 62 of the connecting strips 60 thus permitting the connection of the connecting strips 60 to the connecting rod 64 and at the same time permitting the connecting rod 64 to be disposed within the general confines of the pull denim strip 70.

Referring now to Figure 2 in particular, it will be seen that when the sofa bed is in its sofa forming position, the connecting strips 60 are in alignment and the pull denim strip 70 is of a size to permit the fabric covering 32 to be stretched taut over the padding 24 and 30. However, when the back portion 14 is formed into a seat forming position, as is best illustrated in Figure 3, there is a relative movement between the back portion 14 and the seat portion 12 so as to cause the downward and rearward flexing of the connecting strips 60. This results in the downward and rearward movement of the connecting rod 64 so as to exert a pull on the pull denim strip 70. This results in the fabric covering 32 being drawn between the opposed portions of the padding 24 and 3t) and the desired tensioning of the fabric covering 32.

,From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that the fabric covering tensioningdevice 58 is of an extremely simple nature and may be attached to existing types of sofa bed constructions, while at the same time it will provide the desired tensioning of the fabric covering.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In a sofa bed construction of the type including a seat portion and a back portion, and a single fabric covering for said seat and back portions, a fabric tensioning device said fabric tensioning device comprising a pull denim strip secured to the underside of said fabric intermediate said seat and back portions, a plurality of stiff transverse connecting strips carried by said seat and back portions, a longitudinal connecting rod disposed intermediate said seat and rear portions and connecting said connecting strips together, said pull denim strip being connected to said connecting rod, said connecting strips being formed of resilient material to permit folding of the sofa bed, said connecting strips being provided at ends thereof with eyes, said connecting rod passing through said eyes, said pull denim strip being folded to form a sleeve, said connecting rod being disposed in said sleeve, said seat and rear portions including spring assemblies, each of said connecting strips being secured directly to a plurality of springs of said spring assemblies.

2. In a sofa bed construction of the type including a seat portion and a back portion hingedly connected together by a hinge, and a single fabric covering over said seat and back portions, a fabric tensioning device, said fabric tensioning device comprising a pull denim strip secured to the underside of said fabric intermediate said seat and back portions, first and second sets of stiff transverse connecting strips carried by said seat and back portions, a longitudinal connecting rod disposed intermediate said seat and back portions and connecting said connecting strips of said sets together, said connecting rod being disposed offset from the axis of said hinge in the bed forming position, said pull denim strip being connected to saidconnecting rod, said connecting strips being formed of resilient material to permit folding of the sofa bed.

3. In a sofa bed construction of the type including a seat portion and a back portion hingedly connected together by a hinge, and a single fabric covering over said seat and back portions, a fabric tensioning device, said fabric tensioning device comprising a pull denim strip secured to the underside of said fabric intermediate said seat and back portions, first and second sets of stiff transverse connecting strips carried by said seat and back portions, each of said connecting strips extending across a major part of the width of its respective portion, a longitudinal connecting rod disposed intermediate said seat and back portions and connecting said connecting strips of said sets together, said connecting rod being disposed offset from the axis of said hinge in the bed forming position, said pull denim strip being connected to said connecting rod, said connecting strips being formed of resilient material to permit folding of the sofa bed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,291,677 Bank Aug. 4, 1942 2,335,036 Young Nov. 23, 1943 2,654,099 Ake et a1. Oct. 6, 1953 2,696,822 Kurland et al Dec. 14, 1954 2,722,691 Thompson et a1. Nov. 8, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 156,969 Austria Sept. 11, 1939 202,471 Great Britain Aug. 23, 1923 

